Ricci could become the first Spezia man to play for Italy in 85 years

Spezia midfielder Matteo Ricci has been called up by Italy CT Roberto Mancini, 85 years after the last Aquilotti player played for the Azzurri.

Mancini has called up 38 players for the upcoming games in the World Cup qualifiers and among the surprises was the Spezia midfielder.

He was one of the architects helping Spezia win promotion to Serie A last term and the Ligurians continue to impress in the top flight this term.

Spezia midfielder Matteo Ricci has been called up by Italy CT Roberto Mancini, 85 years after the last Aquilotti player played for the Azzurri.

Mancini has called up 38 players for the upcoming games in the World Cup qualifiers and among the surprises was the Spezia midfielder.

He was one of the architects helping Spezia win promotion to Serie A last term and the Ligurians continue to impress in the top flight this term.

Only one player has ever played for the senior national team, a certain Luigi Scarabello, who played under Vittorio Pozzo in 1936 against USA.